An agenda item listed under New Business for the August 5, Hurricane City Council meeting reads, “Authorization of City Manager to sign closing documents to complete purchase of an approximately 30-acre parcel on Midland Trail.”

The proposed purchase was a surprise to some on council. Councilman Marshall Ginn wanted to know why the City had need of the property, its location, how much it would cost, and what were the financing arrangements.

Mayor Scott Edwards stated that the property is adjacent to the Water Department’s tank on the ridge near Hurricane Middle School and will allow improved access to the tank. Servicing the tank has been a challenge for years because of the extremely steep access road. Edwards said the Water Department could not attain a right-of-way unless the City purchased the entire 30-acre tract. While the Water Department does not need acreage, the Street Department has outgrown its space on Teays Valley Road between the Recycling Center and the CSX tracks and is in need of additional space. The purchase cost of $180,000 would be split between the two departments with Water paying $60,000 and Streets, the remaining $120,000. The purchase would not require any financing outside of the Street or Water Departments. Council approved a motion authorizing City Manager Andy Skidmore to sign necessary documents.

In other business, council held the first reading of a resolution stating Fire Protection Service for areas within city limits are under the domain of Hurricane Fire & Rescue. The resolution was necessary because some incorporated areas are located in areas served by the Teays Valley Fire Department. The TVFD will continue to provide service with Hurricane tasked with the primary service responsibility.

The next city council meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 3, at 6:30 p.m. City offices will be closed in observance of Labor Day on September 2nd.